'Potiche' -- 3 stars

R; 1:43 running time "Potiche" is French for "trophy wife." Catherine Deneuve plays one to a philandering umbrella factory manager. Her character, Suzanne Pujol, is put to the test when a strike lays her husband low, and she takes over the business along with her right-wing daughter and left-wing son. The local socialist mayor urges progressive reforms; he also urges a rekindling of a long-ago romantic spark. Gerard Depardieu plays the politician; Fabrice Luchini schemes magnificently as the husband, whose stance toward his workers is underlined by such lines as: "To hell with the workers!" Politics aside, even with its third-act wobble, the film moves with assurance and crisp pacing, and the actors are a pleasure to watch. Luchini proves a master technician, timing each bit of business (including a spit-take!) just so. Read the full review

R; 1:43 running time "Potiche" is French for "trophy wife." Catherine Deneuve plays one to a philandering umbrella factory manager. Her character, Suzanne Pujol, is put to the test when a strike lays her husband low, and she takes over the business along with her right-wing daughter and left-wing son. The local socialist mayor urges progressive reforms; he also urges a rekindling of a long-ago romantic spark. Gerard Depardieu plays the politician; Fabrice Luchini schemes magnificently as the husband, whose stance toward his workers is underlined by such lines as: "To hell with the workers!" Politics aside, even with its third-act wobble, the film moves with assurance and crisp pacing, and the actors are a pleasure to watch. Luchini proves a master technician, timing each bit of business (including a spit-take!) just so. Read the full review

R; 1:43 running time "Potiche" is French for "trophy wife." Catherine Deneuve plays one to a philandering umbrella factory manager. Her character, Suzanne Pujol, is put to the test when a strike lays her husband low, and she takes over the business along with her right-wing daughter and left-wing son. The local socialist mayor urges progressive reforms; he also urges a rekindling of a long-ago romantic spark. Gerard Depardieu plays the politician; Fabrice Luchini schemes magnificently as the husband, whose stance toward his workers is underlined by such lines as: "To hell with the workers!" Politics aside, even with its third-act wobble, the film moves with assurance and crisp pacing, and the actors are a pleasure to watch. Luchini proves a master technician, timing each bit of business (including a spit-take!) just so. Read the full review